title: Suspected scaphoid fractures. The value of radiographs.
abstract: Twenty observers reported independently on the presence or absence of a fracture of the scaphoid on 60 sets of radiographs; these included initial and 2- to 3-week views in patients in whom the outcome was known, normal scaphoids and random copies of these. Analysis of variance of the accuracy of observations revealed that the 2- to 3-week radiographs did not improve diagnostic ability and that this was independent of the experience or seniority of the observer. For normal radiographs, 20% of the observations reported a fracture. Reproducibility of opinion improved with experience but this did not help with accuracy. Radiographs without accurate clinical observation should not determine the management of the suspected scaphoid fracture.
authors.affiliation: Glenfield General Hospital, Leicester, England.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.forename: N J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Barton
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Gregg
mesh_terms: D002348:Carpal Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D015588:Observer Variation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013997:Time Factors